‘England Series Has Helped Turn Career Around’

Pune: Kedar Jadhav believes the series against England was the turning point of his career after his century in the first ODI propelled him towards stardom.
“After hitting the century against England in Pune, I thought if I continue with the same performance, there is a possibility of getting man of the series (award),” he said.

“I think the ODI series against England is the turning point of my cricketing career,” said the Pune batsman, who made 120 off 76 balls in the exciting run-chase. The performance during New Zealand series gave him confidence, he said. “Though I did not score big, whatever runs I scored, it gave me immense confidence….Before this series (against England), I had a gut feeling that I will perform, and I think, for any player, having such a feeling is most important thing,” he said.

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Asked about getting the opportunity to play for India a little late in his career, he said, “I got the opportunity late because I was not mature enough, there were flaws in my game. The moment I became accomplished player, I got the opportunity and I am happy that I could convert it (into success).” Talking about captain Virat Kohli trusting him “blindly”, Jadhav said. “He has always encouraged me to play my natural game. Just by seeing him preparing for the game and playing one gets immense inspiration.”

He also lauded Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s calmness under pressure and said the company of former captain enhanced his maturity level. “He handles the pressure, faces the challenges and deals with the situation in a calm and composed manner,” Jadhav said. Though Kohli and Dhoni have different temperaments and leading styles, there is not much difference between the two and both are world-class captains, Jadhav said.

Asked if his performance against England would cement his place in the team, he said he believed in living in the present and not worrying about past failure or success. However, he added, after getting a man of the series award “I think I will get chance for another two to three series”.